10 Things to Do With Kids in Williamsburg, Virginia

10 Things to Do With Kids in Williamsburg, Virginia

As one of the most popular destinations in Virginia, a family can pack an awful lot of fun into three or four days. You can travel back in time to the creation of our young nation at the largest living history museum in the world, the meticulously restored Colonial Williamsburg just might be the perfect American history classroom. The best part is that when you return to 21st-century life, don’t be surprised if you and the kids are just a little bit smarter all the while having a blast in Colonial Williamsburg!

Ride in coach class– For a fun way to get your bearings, take a carriage ride of the Historic Area. As you travel through town in an authentically reconstructed colonial-era coach or stage wagon, your coachman will tell you how it would have been used in the 18th century and who might have owned it. Book at Visitor Center, 101 Visitor Center Dr or call 800/HISTORY or 757/220-7645 for more information.

Kid Tour Guides– Don’t like stuffy tours? The free 30-minute KAPOW! Kids and Parents Orientation Walks are led by kids 10 and up. These junior interpreters, dressed in period costume, have been extensively trained about life in the colonies and stay in character as they answer your family’s questions. These kid’s-eye-view tours have the right mixture of youthful perspective, interactivity, and fun.

Ghost Walking Tour– Older kids and teens will love the Original Ghosts of Williamsburg Candlelight Walking Tour, still a bestseller after 18 years. As your group walks the dark streets of Williamsburg, you’ll hear eerie tales and creepy folklore from Colonial times. Tours last at least an hour and are best for ages 8 and up.

Play dress up– To get the most fun out of this living museum, encourage kids to play their part by renting child-sized colonial costumes—white frocks with sashes for girls; a haversack bag, shirt and toy wooden rifle for boys. Williamsburg residents will bow and curtsy to your kids, addressing them as “Little Mister” and “Miss.”

Play with Colonial Toys-Have you ever wondered what life would be like without cell phones and other electronic devices? Every summer afternoon, kids flock to the Kids Corner to try out 18th-century games like hoop rolling, quoits, and marbles.

Dine in a Tavern– The elite used to meet and eat at the King’s Arms Tavern, where Thomas Jefferson can sometimes be overheard giving his opinions on the state of the union. Popular dishes at this 18th-century-style chophouse include peanut soup, mushroom to game pie, and a deliciously sweet tart known as syllabub.

Dance Colonial Style– Want to party colonial style? Take the whole family for free dance lessons as part of the Dancing at Home program. Throughout the week, open dances are held at various locations, including Geddy House, Powell House, Wythe House, and Great Hopes Plantation. Join in and learn the latest steps

Water Country USA-When temperatures rise, head for the area’s largest outdoor waterpark. Three dozen of the latest, greatest rides and slides are set to a retro surf theme at Water Country USA. The slew of multi-person raft rides, double flumes, and splash fountains are particularly great for families.

Example Widget

This is an example widget to show how the Right Sidebar looks by default. You can add custom widgets from the widgets screen in the admin. If custom widgets are added then this will be replaced by those widgets.